Rather than functioning in a nuclear way where individuals fend for themselves, life in Samoa is all about being part of a community that looks after each other. Samoan values and this communal way of thinking means people are very sociable.
The traditional culture of Samoa is a communal way of life based on Fa'a Samoa, the unique socio-political culture. In Samoan culture, most activities are done together. The traditional living quarters, or fale (houses), contain no walls and up to 20 people may sleep on the ground in the same fale.
Fa`a-Samoa is often heard in American Samoa, and refers to the traditional Samoan lifestyle, or way of life. It is the foundation of Polynesia's oldest culture, which dates back some 3,000 years. Fa`a Samoa places great importance on the dignity and achievements of the group rather than on individual achievements.
Samoan people are known for their warm smiles and friendly personalities. They have a gift for welcoming and accepting just about anyone they meet. So it's no surprise that qualities such as hospitality, cooperation, respect, and consensus are highly valued in Samoan culture.
The central element in Samoan culture is the aiga (family). Within the family, giving and receiving tautua (service), fa'aaloalo (respect) and alofa (love) are crucial in social relations.
Samoans traditionally had a pantheistic religion, where family elders would perform most rituals. Missionaries introduced Christianity in the country in the early 19th century. Their profound impact on Samoa has become particularly evident in the religious landscape of contemporary society.
The top of the head is considered sacred. It is insulting to pass something over the top of someone's head or to touch or pat the head of an adult. Avoid wearing any revealing clothing when walking through villages. Women should take particular care to avoid showing their knees and shoulders.
A unique identity to the Samoan culture and traditions, is that everything is thought about in terms of the families rather than individuality, whether it's earning money, sharing food or even houses. Samoan people are very traditional and respect elders in the family. They have an ancient social structure.
The Samoans, as a people, are most courteous and kind, and seem to be naturally endowed with pleasant dispositions and manners. They are particularly clean and in every way a most attractive race. Their houses are suited to the climate.
Men of the lower class of Samoa were required to undo their joga when in the presence of chiefs and during worship, suggesting that hair served as a visual representation of status.
In a Samoan home, don't talk to people while standing, and don't eat while walking around a village. Avoid stretching your legs straight out in front of you while sitting. If you can't fold them beneath you, then pull one of the floor mats over them.
Samoan society tends to be patriarchal and this is reflected in the household structure. Women often maintain the home and take care of children, whilst men are seen as the primary income providers. Men are typically the key decision-makers; however, matriarchs are not uncommon.
Samoa is very safe and the crime rate is low. The people are very friendly and kind, and the strong traditions and the communal culture of Samoa keep the crime rate low and the country safe.
The arrival of fast food restaurants and other contemporary food items on the islands are one of the issues responsible for the obesity in Samoa. The earliest photographs of Samoans provide visual proof of the native population's natural physique before the introduction of processed foods by Western society.
The islands are of volcanic origin clearly visible in the form of several dormant volcanoes and lava fields. Approximately 70% of Samoa's population and infrastructure are located in low-lying coastal areas.
Is Samoa a wealthy country? The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on development aid, family remittances from overseas, tourism, agriculture, and fishing. It has a nominal GDP of $844 million. Agriculture, including fishing, furnishes 90% of exports, featuring fish, coconut oil, nonu products, and taro.
Samoans are Polynesian and there are few other distinct ethnic groups, though some elite Samoans have part Chinese or European (especially German) ancestry. Samoa has retained strong elements of fa'a Samoa (the Samoan traditional culture) in its constitution and political structure, and society is hierarchical.
There is still a long development road ahead in Samoa and across the world. The country faces the common challenges of poverty, youth unemployment, gender inequality and great risks from climate change.
There are no real taboos, however it is considered very impolite to walk in front of people you are with (tu lou – bowing in front of a person meaning 'excuse me'). In Samoa, parents, their children and married children all live together in one compound area in separate houses.
The tattoo and designs of the Samoa islands represents community, power, status, respect, honor, and is a mark of pride that are only to be worn by Samoans.
Modern-day Samoans are often friendly and respectful people who are proud of their heritage.
Dress code in Samoa
As a sign of respect, modest clothing should be worn when visiting any village in Samoa and especially at church services. Suggestions include a lavalava (sarong), trousers, long skirts, and blouses. Shorts and t-shirt are also considered appropriate.
The Samoan culture has perfected the art of handcrafted mats and these mats are seen as the highest gift one can give and are exchanged in almost every ceremony or formal occasion. Since mats are given at formal occasions, informal go-to gifts are “money and great amounts of food.